Certainly, there are countless factors that play a crucial role in the flowering of Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus). In this article, you’ll learn everything you need to know about rosemary flowering, why it doesn’t, and how to get a rosemary plant to flower.
Contents
When a rosemary blooms
Flowering of rosemary depends on environmental conditions and the internal clock of the plant, but generally it does so twice a year.
The first flowering period of rosemary is in winter and the second flowering period is in spring.
Why isn’t my rosemary blooming?
Flowering rosemary is an excellent sign of good plant growth and development. Many factors can prevent rosemary from flowering. These factors can be seasonal, environmental or care-related.
Below are the main points related to the lack of flowering of rosemary plants.
- Excessive fertilization, especially the application of nitrogen fertilizers
- Cultivation in the shade or with a lack of light
- Non-draining and heavy soils
- Hard and deep pruning
- overcrowding
- Affected by pests and diseases
How to Make a Rosemary Plant Bloom
Use of fertilizer
Rosemary has naturally adapted and evolved to sandy soils with a low proportion of nutrients. It does best and produces elegant, fresh flowers in naturally poor sandy soils.
Rosemary plants are accustomed to growing in dry soil that lacks adequate fertilization. This means that rosemary does not have high fertilization needs.
Imagine a farmer growing rosemary in nutrient-rich soil. Apply natural and artificial fertilizers expecting the flowers to be fresh and giant. To your surprise, you will get few or no flowers. Fertilizers promote foliage and shoot growth, but limit flower production.
However, if your rosemary plant is starting to look a little pale and weak, you can give it a compost designed for herbs or leafy crops. You can also apply a homemade fertilizer for your rosemary 1-2 times a year, such as coffee grounds.
Provide plenty of light
Rosemary is a plant that loves sunlight. It grows and flowers well in full sun. Sunlight also has a direct effect on the bloom, number of leaves and aroma of rosemary.
Growing rosemary in the shade will affect its overall health and ability to flower. 10 to 12 hours of light is optimal for rosemary plants. A minimum of 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight.
If you don’t get much sun or are growing your rosemary indoors, you can use a fluorescent grow light. Depending on the grow light, you may need to use it for 12-16 hours a day.
If your rosemary is planted in the wrong spot that doesn’t get much light throughout the day, you may need to replant it as soon as possible. Replant it just before the cold season, about 3-4 weeks before the start of the winter season.
Ideal soil type for rosemary
Heavy, non-draining soils (including clay) can be detrimental to rosemary plants because they need light soil that drains easily.
Rosemary thrives and flowers best in sandy soil that provides good drainage. To make a rosemary plant bloom, add earth, sand or perlite. This practice makes the soil well drained and high yielding for grass.
Avoid overcrowding, they should have a distance of 40-60 cm from each other. Otherwise, the water will not evaporate from the bottom of the bush, and sunlight will not reach the branches and leaves of the plant. This will deprive certain parts of essential sunlight and, therefore, of photosynthesis.
diseases and pests
Flowers, leaves and stems are always susceptible to insect infestation such as spider mites, mites, scale insects, whiteflies and thrips. It is good horticultural practice to always check for pests and take action if you see them.
If your rosemary is weak, it affects the flowering period, number of leaves and proportion of flowers for various reasons and factors. For example:
- Poorly drained soils
- pots too small
- excessive watering
- Heavy and intense rains
To avoid the risk of negatively affecting grass health, follow these guidelines:
- Avoid excessive watering. Water once every two weeks or so during the hot, dry summer season.
- Provide well-drained, sandy and soft soil.
- Keep the grass in a place where it gets plenty of sun and fresh air.
- Always check for pests or abnormal coloring etc.
Cut
All plants and herbs do best when lightly pruned, but complex and frequent pruning is bad. It affects the number of buds on each shoot and therefore the number of flowers.
Light pruning once or twice a year is important for rosemary health. However, excessive pruning can permanently kill the plant and prevent it from flowering. Never prune bare branches, as they will not regrow.
Never cut more than 1/4 of the entire rosemary plant or it may not recover. If you want to use rosemary immediately for cooking, take 15cm sections of the new leaves from the top.
pot size
Always grow rosemary herb in large pots (15 liters or more). Small pots affect root growth, nutrient uptake, general health and flowering.
Also, make sure the pot is a few inches off the ground to allow for good drainage.
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